Politics

SC issues notice to Centre in Shahbaz Gill’s torture plea

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

Justice Ijazul Ahsan tells PTI to approach relevant forum against torture allegations.
Rebukes Gill’s lawyer for being unaware of procedure and purpose of physical remand.
Orders IO to present case record while adjourning hearing till indefinite period.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Friday issued a notice to the federal government in a case pertaining to the physical remand of senior PTI leader Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case and allegation of torture.

The PTI had levelled allegations of torture and sexual abuse meted out to Gill during his physical remand at Adiala jail, Rawalpindi. The party claimed that Gill was tortured and abused during custody, demanding that the matter be probed.

Gill was in police custody since his arrest in the sedition case on August 9 for allegedly inciting mutiny within the military’s ranks. However, he was granted bail just yesterday (Thursday) by the Islamabad High Court following his multiple attempts to get released on bail.

Today’s hearing

At the outset of the hearing of PTI’s plea by a three-member bench headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Gill’s lawyer Salman Safdar contended that the court trying his client exceeded its authority.

“There is no example of torture meted out to Shahbaz Gill,” he said.

Justice Mazahir Akbar Naqvi inquired what the basis was of the case against Gill and what did he say.

Responding to the query, Safdar said that Gill made a speech for which he was charged under 13 sections.

At this, Justice Naqvi corrected him by saying that it wasn’t a speech but Gill made remarks during an interview on a private TV channel. He also rebuked the lawyer for being unaware of the procedure and purpose of a physical remand.

‘Relevant forum should be approached for torture allegations’

The justice inquired if PTI has approached a relevant forum against the alleged torture on Gill.

“You have to approach the relevant forum. What has restrained you from doing that?” the justice asked.

“Shahbaz Gill’s remand into police custody was the most controversial remand in the country’s history,” Safdar maintained, adding that a judge even stated in the order that torture marks were found on Gill’s body.

At this, Justice Naqvi asked if the judge would appear before the court as a witness.

“Does the criminal code apply to the Supreme Court?” Justice Naqvi asked. At this, Gill’s lawyer responded in the positive.

“Masha’Allah lawyer sahib, the Criminal Code doesn’t apply to the apex court,” Justice Naqvi said sarcastically.

Later, the court directed the investigation officer to appear in the court with a case record and adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period.

Latest News

Rana Sana and Saad Rafique offered to join the government, according to sources

Published

8 hours ago

Farwa

In order to craft a political narrative, Rana Sanaullah reportedly persuaded the PM to let them remain outside the government.

They should write the political narrative while still working for the government, PM Shehbaz Sharif instructed them, according to sources.

“Since you will speak while staying outside the government fold, it will appear that we are against it,” the PM stated.

Khawaja Saad Rafique, according to sources, was also of the opinion that Rana Sanaullah was near to having.

According to their respective opinions, “We have to create a narrative in view of the future, liked by the masses.”

“The Prime Minister stated that Nawaz Sharif will decide on this issue,” according to party insiders.

“If Nawaz Sharif decides to let us join the government, Rana Sanaullah said,” according to sources.

The sources went on to say that Nawaz Sharif will decide on the issue after returning from his current trip to China.

Latest News

The Supreme Court has reinstated Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.

Published

9 hours ago

Farwa

The Court also issued an order to re-vote on 12 polling stations in Chaman’s PB-51 seat.

The court returns the case to the election commission with the candidates’ assent and orders the ECP to rule within 10 days of hearing the candidates.

“Under what rule did the ECP order re-polling in 12 polling stations?” Justice Ameenuddin Khan inquired. “The election commission saw 12 polling stations and ignored others,” Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar stated.

According to Justice Ameenuddin, the election commission did not undertake any inquiries or adhere to any principles.

“Only those polling stations were checked where maximum turnout of votes pointed out in petitions,” claimed the ECP’s DG Law.

Justice Mazhar stated that the ECP should have investigated the entire constituency.

On the request of a rival candidate, Muhammad Asghar Achakzai, the election body ordered re-elections in his constituency.

The case was considered by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Ameenuddin Khan.

Re-elections were ordered by the Election Commission at polling stations 56, 57, 61, 62, 79, 89, 90, 91, 95, 106, 129, and 130 in the PB-51 constituency.

In February, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai was chosen Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly without opposition.

Latest News

IHC prevents Sher Afzal Marwat of the PTI from being arrested by Punjab police

Published

9 hours ago

Farwa

According to Marwat Regarding a public meeting in Kasur, he was booked by Punjab police. IHC was approached by the MNA to request protective bail in this case.

PTI chief’s appeal was heard by Justice Tariq Jahangiri. The IHC granted Sher Afzal Marwat protective bail following preliminary arguments in exchange for a $10,000 surety bond.

The relevant court was asked to see him in two months. Following the fall of the PTI administration, Sher Afzal Marwat is dealing with several matters.

The PTI leader’s temporary bail was extended earlier this month by the Peshawar High Court (PHC) in a different matter.

Judges Sahibzada Asadullah and Ishtiaq Ibrahim heard the case.

Marwat requested the dismissal of the cases against him in his petition, claiming that 23 FIRs had been filed in the province against him for political purposes.